International healthcare, medical insurance in Rio de Janeiro

Tools:

By law, everyone has a right to treatment, from organ transplants to sex-change operations. The state provides basic health care to all citizens with the option to buy private health insurance. Only about 20 percent of the population can pay for additional private insurance.

Private Insurance

The public health system is largely financed by the public sector. Any person who is legally in the country has access to the national health care system. Patients pay nothing at all for doctors' fees, lab fees, hospitalization, surgery, and prescription drugs.

However, for the best access to facilities, it is necessary to purchase additional private health insurance. A high proportion of hospital institutions and beds belong to the private sector, with the responsibility for the health clinics under the direction of the public sector, especially in the poorer regions of the country. Private insurance allows you to choose the doctor, laboratory or hospital from a list of accredited professionals and institutions. You can include or exclude treatment options like dental, specialists for skin or eye problems as well as hospital services, which will influence the monthly payment for the insurance.

There are several hundred firms offering four principal types of medical plans: private health insurance, prepaid group practice, medical cooperatives, and company health plans.

Some hospitals offer insurance directly. However, all exams and consultations have to be done in that specific hospital.

Before agreeing to a contract. Contact the local consumer defense organization (PROCON) to get more information about the reputation and the quality of the company and the health insurance.

Employer Insurance

As a benefit, private insurance may be offered through the employing company. This may or may not require you to pay into the system (which would be automatically deducted from your salary). This is the easiest way to acquire insurance, but may not have the specific coverage you desire.

Update 16/01/2013


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Expatriate health insurance in Brazil

With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Rio de Janeiro is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Brazil So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!

Cigna Logo

Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.

Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Brazil. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Brazil, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.

Getting a health insurance quote

Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.

Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about international healthcare, medical insurance in Rio de Janeiro, healthcare.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Rio de Janeiro

Download the guide: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon